China appoints first female captain for domestically produced aircraft

China appoints a female pilot with a decade of flawless service as dedicated captain for its domestically produced C919 aircraft.

Yu Yue has been appointed as a dedicated captain for China's C919 operational flights, marking a significant step in the nation's aviation industry. The move, reported by SCMP on 27/12/2024, reflects China's strategy to expand its aviation workforce and transition pilots from Boeing and Airbus aircraft to the domestically produced C919.

Yu, a pilot from Guangzhou-based China Southern Airlines, previously commanded Boeing 737 aircraft. Chinese media highlights her flawless operational record since she joined the airline in 2015.

Yu's background includes training at the Civil Aviation University of China. Earlier this year, she was selected among a group of top pilots for intensive C919 operational training in Shanghai.

Yu Yue, China's first female captain to operate the C919. *Photo: GMW*

Yu stated to the media, "As soon as I was asked if I was ready to switch to flying the C919, I didn't hesitate for a second."

The C919, manufactured by the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (Comac), is a narrow-body aircraft designed to compete with the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737. This aircraft can carry 158-168 passengers and boasts a maximum range of 5,600 km.

The C919 commenced domestic service in 5/2023. It is currently operated by China's three largest carriers: China Southern Airlines, Air China, and China Eastern Airlines.

Following over two years of smooth operation, all three airlines are increasing C919 flight frequencies. In October, these carriers committed to purchasing at least 100 additional C919 aircraft, with deliveries anticipated in the 2030s.

Captain Yu Yue next to a C919 aircraft. *Photo: GMW*

China's first cohort of 14 female pilots completed training in 1951. By 2024, the nation boasted 941 female pilots operating commercial and private flights. A majority of these pilots were born after 1985, making them notably younger than their male colleagues.

The age range of female pilots spans from those born in 1953 to the youngest born in 2005. Despite this, female pilots represent less than 2% of China's civil aviation workforce, indicating a low proportion.